BRUNEI-MUARA

MORE than 100 species of herbs have been planted and grown at Kg Putat Herbal Recreational Park in Mukim Lumapas, attracting students and researchers, said the village head of Kg Putat.

Yang Berhormat Hj Jumat Akim, also a Legislative Council member, said the majority of herbs found at the park are grown locally in the area.

“We obtained other herbs from other villages (within the vicinity) and planted them at the park and there are some that we bought from somewhere else,” he said.

The recreational park is an initiative of the Kg Putat Consultative Council (MPK) in cooperation with the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (JASTRE).

Known for its unique environment, the park was officially opened in 2010 to the public with a view to preserving indigenous herb species containing medicinal properties.

Some of the herbs are such as daun pahit, pulasari, and kunyit hantu among others.

Speaking to The Brunei Times at the Family Day Celebration held at Kg Putat yesterday, he said the herbal park received visits from higher education institutions and researchers from neighbouring countries.

“Aside from our local universities, there were also visitors from a university in Sabah and researchers from Perak,” said YB Hj Jumat.

“Interested parties who want to conduct a research at the park must first seek permission from the MPK.”

“They have been able to identify the names of the herbs, species as well as the usage (of the herbs) and that we were given the information later on. We also had training with researchers from Perak, Malaysia,” he said.

Some of the things taught at the training include methods of harvesting the herbs, when to harvest and how to identify herbs.

“Those who participated in the training comprised local villagers who are involved in handling herbs and also interested youths,” said the village head.

He hoped that more explorations and development for herbs to be done in the area so as to commercialised the plants in the near future.

“If we are able to (grow) large amount of herbs then it is possible for us to sell it to a greater market. Currently, we (through the MPK) are only able to process the herbs on a small scale and cater to a small market…” he added.

YB Hj Jumat gave an example of a type of herb called _Pulasari _whose essence can be extracted and used to make perfume.

“That herb (species) can be used to make cosmetic products and for one kilogram it is priced at $8. So if we have more, then we can make more (products) to sale”, he said.

The Brunei Times.